The dynamic elevation of the jewelry industry motivates the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) founders. Formed in 1969, SNAG’s mission is to advance jewelry and metalsmithing artistry by inspiring creativity, encouraging education, and fostering community. The diverse jewelry and metals fellowship envisioned engages in thoughtful conversation and critical discourse while preserving tradition and embracing innovation.
SNAG @ Tucson, held February 6-8, 2025, at Cathedral Square Center, is the society’s main event held in conjunction with the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. The event is free and open to the general public. This three-day event comprises the Artists Market and the multi-faceted exhibition Mineral Minded. The Artists Market, nestled downtown amid the gem shows to enjoy maximum traffic and exposure, provides a venue for artists of all levels, from emerging designers to well-established jewelers and metalsmiths. Here, they can present their work for cash and carry out sales to a broad audience, including locals and visitors from around the country and abroad.
The Mineral Minded exhibition is dedicated to highlighting SNAG’s diverse membership. Entry submission is open to all members and is available in person at SNAG @ Tucson during the gem show and online, where all submissions will be showcased. These events offer the opportunity to expose artisan pieces in various mediums, including pearls, gems, minerals, and rocks. A juror panel selects both traditional and innovative creations. The online exhibition and live sales begin on February 3 and continue through March 31.
SNAG’s first meeting in Chicago in 1968 consisted of nine goldsmiths and silversmiths, who shared the goals of creating an organization of “designer craftsmen in the metal arts field” and producing a conference of professional jewelers. The original sixty-four members established the organization and planned the first conference for 1970, held in St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended by more than one hundred people. Having grown to over two thousand members, conferences now host over seven hundred and fifty attendees. Studio artists, educators, students, and others working in all metals, alternative materials, and all aspects of contemporary art, design, jewelry, and metalsmithing are all represented in their supportive and flourishing community.
SNAG’s publications have recorded the evolution of the progressing industry, beginning in 1975 with the SNAG Newsletter. Additional syndications include Metalsmith magazine, published for forty-five years, Metalsmith Tech, and approximately fifty technical articles. Through SNAG’s values of dedication, knowledge sharing, innovation, and inclusion, the spark and desire for growth through collaboration has spread exponentially through two generations of the metals community and has exceeded their original vision. They celebrate the rich history and diversity prevalent in the field and support furthering skills and knowledge in craftsmanship through ethical practices and respectful interaction.
SNAG's website provides information about the organization. For details about event locations and dates, visit Xpo Press’ SNAG profile page. Contact information, photos, and social media links are also available here.
